Mother’s Heartbreak: Daughter’s Battle with Cancer Ends at Nine

Freya Bevan, a vibrant nine-year-old from Neath, South Wales, passed away in her mother’s arms in December 2021 after a long battle with cancer that began when she was just 20 months old. Initially misdiagnosed with a dairy intolerance, Freya’s condition deteriorated as her family discovered the devastating truth: she had a brain tumour. This tragic story illustrates the profound challenges faced by families navigating pediatric cancer.

Katherine Bevan, Freya’s mother, recalls the moment that changed their lives forever. “Freya was sitting on my lap when the doctor told me she had a brain tumour,” says the 52-year-old. “I thought, ‘How can this be happening?’ In that moment, I was terrified.” The diagnosis came after months of persistent vomiting and hospital visits, culminating in 2014 when tests confirmed Freya had a stage 4 PNET brain tumour, measuring the size of a golf ball.

Approximately 420 children in the UK are diagnosed with brain tumours each year, according to the Brain Tumour Charity. Symptoms can range from headaches to seizures, often leading to delayed diagnosis. In Freya’s case, surgery successfully removed part of the tumour, but due to its location, complete removal was impossible. This led to a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and, later, proton beam therapy in the United States, funded through over £100,000 raised by Katherine.

Despite the challenges, Freya’s spirit shone brightly. “In spite of her suffering, Freya was never without a smile,” Katherine reflects. After treatment, Freya appeared to be recovering. “She turned back into the bubbly girl she was,” Katherine says. They enjoyed precious family moments, taking Freya on holidays and celebrating her milestones, including starting nursery.

The family’s hope was short-lived. In October 2020, a routine scan revealed that Freya’s tumour had returned, growing significantly. Katherine faced the heart-wrenching reality of her daughter’s declining health. “I refused to give up,” she states, exploring every possible treatment option, including alternative therapies from Germany and Mexico. “Freya took everything without complaint. I just couldn’t give up on trying to save her.”

Tragically, Freya’s health continued to decline, and she succumbed to the illness shortly thereafter. “All I could do was hold her in my arms as she took her last breath,” Katherine recalls. “I would have died for her there and then, but I couldn’t.”

The impact of brain tumours is severe, with more than 12,000 cases diagnosed annually in the UK, and around half of these being cancerous. The disease is particularly lethal among children and young adults under 40. According to the NHS, brain tumours can result in life-altering symptoms such as memory problems, seizures, and personality changes.

In the wake of her daughter’s death, Katherine has found purpose in her loss. In 2022, she became a qualified bereavement counsellor. “My work has been borne out of unimaginable pain, but I know Freya is with me,” she explains. Katherine now runs Freya’s Freedom of Mind Counselling Services, aiming to provide comfort to others navigating grief. “Losing a child can be the loneliest place in the world,” she adds. “I want to help other people who are grieving to feel less alone.”

Katherine’s journey highlights the importance of awareness and support for families affected by childhood cancer. She reflects on the changes in her life since Freya’s passing, stating, “I know that my address book certainly changed when Freya died. Sometimes the people you think will show up simply don’t or can’t.”

Through her counselling work, Katherine keeps Freya’s memory alive, believing that her daughter’s legacy continues through the lives she touches. “I know by doing it, my beautiful daughter didn’t die in vain,” she says. “Her memory will always be alive within me, and I know one day I will see her beautiful face again. It gives me the strength to go on.”